Redick Sets NCAA Record for 3-Pointers (AP)AP - J.J. Redick's legacy is far from complete, yet he knows better than anyone it always will include his uncanny ability to make 3-pointers. He made sure of that Tuesday night, when he became the NCAA's career leader.]]>

Francona Eager After Eventful Offseason (AP)AP - An excited Terry Francona watched his third baseman get off to an impressive start with a new team: four hits in eight at-bats plus three walks and two RBIs in three games.]]>

U.S. Soccer Coach High on Landon Donovan (AP)AP - Bruce Arena has occasionally criticized Landon Donovan, trying to motivate the young soccer star to become a better player. On Tuesday, the U.S. coach had nothing but praise for Donovan.]]>

Lawyer: NHL Gamble Ring Not Tied to Mafia (AP)AP - A New Jersey-based gambling ring linked to Wayne Gretzky had no ties to organized crime, a defense lawyer involved in the case said Tuesday, contradicting the claims of state officials.]]>

The next big little thingSinorice Moss hopes to continue the NFL's new trend: big-time play-making receivers in small packages.

Cardinals re-sign QB Warner (AP)The Arizona Cardinals signed Kurt Warner to a three-year contract Tuesday, ending speculation about their quarterback plans. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal means the 34-year-old Warner, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player who started 10 games for the Cardinals in an injury-shortened 2005 season, will enter training camp as the starter.

Doctor in steroids case to plead guilty (AP)A doctor accused of writing illegal steroid prescriptions to football players has agreed to plead guilty to one federal conspiracy charge as part of a plea agreement, according to court documents. Alternative medicine physician James Shortt will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and human growth hormone.

Saints get business help with return (AP)NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue continues to be optimistic about the future of the Saints in New Orleans. Tagliabue spoke Tuesday to a group of New Orleans business leaders who have committed to helping support the Saints by purchasing suites, tickets and sponsorships. It was the commissioner's third visit to New Orleans and fifth to Louisiana since the Saints were displaced to San Antonio for the...

NFL likely to open season in Pittsburgh (AP)The 2006 NFL season most likely will start in Pittsburgh on Sept. 7, keeping with a recent trend of beginning the schedule with the current Super Bowl champion. The NFL also is considering an ESPN doubleheader for the opening Monday night on Sept. 11, one beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern time and the second at 9 p.m., NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Monday.

Jets look to renegotiate with Pennington (AP)The New York Jets are attempting to renegotiate the contract of quarterback Chad Pennington, who missed much of the last two seasons because of an injured throwing shoulder. These are more than routine steps to get under the salary cap by March 3, the first day of free agency, a person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press on Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity because...

Bucs LB Brooks gives NFC Pro Bowl win (AP)Derrick Brooks was just happy to be on the winning side for a change in the Pro Bowl. Being selected the game's outstanding player was a bonus. Brooks and the NFC's solid defense gave the NFL's so-called inferior conference something to feel good about Sunday, making the big plays in a sloppy 23-17 victory in a game that featured 10 turnovers -- six by the favored AFC.

MVP Alexander willing to leave Seattle (AP)Shaun Alexander may have Carolina on his mind. Alexander, who sat out the Pro Bowl on Sunday because of a sprained right foot, said contract negotiations with the Seattle Seahawks will continue Monday. But the NFL's Most Valuable Player said he's open to playing elsewhere. "I never really thought up until I got out here that I could be on another team, but it was really neat to see me with Carolina...

Jauron wants Losman, Holcomb to compete (AP)J.P. Losman won't be handed the Buffalo Bills starting quarterback job for next season. This time, he's going to have to earn it from Kelly Holcomb. Newly hired coach Dick Jauron said he'll open the job to a competition this spring between Losman and Holcomb, the veteran journeyman with the hope of having a starter ready by the start of training camp.

Art Shell introduced as Raiders coach (AP)Al Davis had grown sick of watching his rivals beat up on the Oakland Raiders, outplaying, outcoaching and even out-toughing his team. The swagger that once made the Raiders the NFL's most intimidating team and contributed so much to his mantras of "Commitment to Excellence" and "Just Win Baby" had long left the franchise.

Still the oneEven with three losses in five games, including one in Atlanta, the Pistons remain the No. 1 team to beat.

Cavs' Hughes out another 8 to 10 weeks (AP)Cavaliers guard Larry Hughes is likely to miss the rest of the regular season after having surgery on Tuesday for the second time in six weeks on his broken right middle finger. Hughes, the team's second-leading scorer, was supposed to miss six to eight weeks after having surgery Jan. 6. However, doctors concluded last week that the finger hadn't healed as quickly as the team had hoped.

Pistons top Nets for 42-9 mark at break (AP)The Detroit Pistons were guaranteed to have the best record entering the All-Star break. They wanted to make sure they weren't headed there with a losing streak. Chauncey Billups had 19 points and 10 assists to help Detroit beat New Jersey 85-71 on Tuesday night. "Usually, these games are tough to play, because you're looking at a week off," said Richard Hamilton, who added 18 points on his 28th...

Heat shoot 58 percent, beat Magic 107-93 (AP)Starting a favorable stretch in the schedule, the Miami Heat quickly took advantage. Dwyane Wade scored 38 points and Miami shot 58 percent Tuesday night in a 107-93 win over the Orlando Magic, who lost their fifth straight game. Already leading the Southeast Division, the Heat play 22 of their final 31 games against teams with losing records.

Kings defeat Bulls 105-101 in overtime (AP)Ron Artest was not going to let an injured hip stop him, after spending five weeks in exile waiting for a trade from the Indiana Pacers. Artest scored 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, while Mike Bibby scored 31 to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 105-101 overtime victory on Tuesday night. "The only thing on my mind is getting in shape," said Artest, acquired for Peja Stojakovic on Jan.

Redd, Smith lead Bucks by Sonics 106-91 (AP)Michael Redd was happy to face former teammate Ray Allen. Redd scored 19 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 106-91 victory over Allen and the Seattle SuperSonics on Tuesday night. "We practiced against each other for several years so it was great to see him tonight and get to play against him," said Redd, who has taken over Allen's former shooting guard spot.

Sonics trade Radmanovic to Clippers (AP)The Seattle SuperSonics traded Vladimir Radmanovic to the Los Angeles Clippers for Chris Wilcox on Tuesday in a swap of 6-foot-10 forwards auditioning for next season. Radmanovic and Wilcox will be free agents at seasons end and both had fallen out of favor with their previous teams. "They were looking for guy who can shoot from the outside and Vlade pretty much indicated he wasn't going to re-sign...

LeBron, Cavs end Spurs' nine-game run (AP)LeBron James and the Cavaliers play like title contenders at home against the NBA's best. Monday night was the perfect example. James dominated with 44 points and Cleveland defeated defending champion San Antonio 101-87 to end the Spurs' nine-game winning streak. Now, if the Cavs could just be as good against the bad teams.

Mavs send Knicks to 10th straight loss (AP)The latest game against the Dallas Mavericks showed just how bad things have gotten for the New York Knicks. A month ago in New York, the Knicks scored the most points anybody has against Dallas this season in their fifth of six straight victories. In the rematch Monday night, Dirk Nowitzki had 21 points to lead six players in double figures for the Mavericks in a 100-72 victory.

Wizards' Hayes may miss rest of season (AP)Washington Wizards forward Jarvis Hayes had surgery on his fractured right kneecap Tuesday and could miss the rest of the season. Hayes hasn't played since aggravating the knee against the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 16. He will be re-evaluated in six to eight weeks with no timetable set for his return.

Power rankingsAfter opening the season ranked in the bottom five, Carolina enters the Olympic break poised to claim the Presidents' Trophy.

Lawyer: Mob not tied to gambling ring (AP) A New Jersey-based gambling ring linked to Wayne Gretzky had no ties to organized crime, a defense lawyer involved in the case said Tuesday, contradicting the claims of state officials. Officials have said investigators are looking into how deep mob involvement might have been in the sports-betting ring allegedly run by former hockey star Rick Tocchet -- currently Gretzky's top assistant with the...

Ducks D Niedermayer has knee surgery (AP)Mighty Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Monday and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month. Because of the injury, the 32-year-old Niedermayer was unable to join Canada for the Olympics in Turin. Niedermayer, who signed with Anaheim as a free agent last year, won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman during the 2003-04 season with New...

Ducks' Ozolinsh cleared for NHL, Turin (AP)Anaheim Mighty Ducks defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh has been cleared to return to on-ice competition after a six-week stay in the NHL's substance abuse program, allowing him to play for Latvia in the Olympics. The NHL and the players' association announced the move Tuesday, a day before Latvia's Olympic opener against the United States in Turin.

Coyotes lose again, 5-4 to Sharks in OT (AP)The Olympic break could not have come at a better time for the struggling Phoenix Coyotes. Dealing with allegations of illegal gambling surrounding assistant coach Rick Tocchet and head coach Wayne Gretzky's wife since Tuesday, Phoenix has lost four straight and six of seven, including a 5-4 overtime loss to San Jose on Sunday.

Kings' four-goal third stuns Stars, 6-5 (AP)With a period to go before the Olympic break, and a three-goal deficit staring at them, the Los Angeles Kings finished up strong. Los Angeles rallied for four goals in the final period on Sunday to beat Dallas 6-5 on Sunday. "We knew it was the last period before the Olympic break, so we had to go all out -- and we did," Luc Robitaille said.

Wings win sixth straight, 6-3 over Avs (AP)The Detroit Red Wings used a strong finish to make up for a weak start. Tomas Holmstrom broke a tie with a power-play goal early in the third period and Detroit beat the Colorado Avalanche 6-3 on Sunday in the last game before the Olympic break for each team. Detroit, which won its sixth straight, got a goal and two assists from Pavel Datsyuk and a goal and an assist from Holmstrom, Henrik...

Staal SO goal lifts Hurricanes by Sabres (AP)With six victories in seven tries, the Carolina Hurricanes clearly enjoy the NHL's new shootout. And leading scorer Eric Staal just now got involved. "When I get my opportunity, I want to make it count," he said. "I was glad to get that chance." Staal scored in the sixth round of the tiebreaker after goalie Martin Gerber stopped Buffalo's Jason Pominville, helping the Hurricanes beat the Sabres 4-3...

Ducks continue domination of Blackhawks (AP)The Anaheim Mighty Ducks are making a push toward the playoffs with some talented young players. Dustin Penner and Corey Perry scored third-period goals lifting, Anaheim to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night. Penner scored on a wraparound 17 seconds into the third period and Perry tapped in a pass from Ryan Getzlaf 3:03 later to help Anaheim move three points out of the final...

Daniel Sedin lifts Canucks in OT (AP)Daniel Sedin helped his brother Henrik make up for an earlier mistake. Daniel scored 1:26 into overtime -- 30 seconds after Vancouver finished killing off a late penalty to identical twin Henrik -- to lift the Canucks to a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild on Sunday night. "They got some great chances on the four-on-three and we were able to kill that one off and get the last chance," said Henrik,...

Championship contendersSome of the usual suspects will compete for the '06 Cup championship, but there also could be a few surprises.

NASCAR to begin policing bump drafting (AP)Two days after Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart said the bumping and banging at Daytona International Speedway must stop before somebody gets hurt or killed, NASCAR decided to begin policing what drivers call ``bump drafting.''